1. Donât tell mother-in law jokes. There will usually be one or two mother-in-laws present and you could spoil the day by offending them. You never know what people will consider funny so itâs safer not to tell such jokes.
2. Never tell smutty or rude stories. Take a warning from the photographer who caught on video the father of the bride thumping the best man because he had spoiled his daughterâs wedding by giving a blue speech. The bride was crying in the background. Smutty stories are not suitable for an occasion where there is mixed company particularly on a day when people are particularly sensitive. Besides there may be clergy present or elderly people who would be shocked.
3. Forget the groomâs unsavoury past. Best men are often tempted to tell stories about what the groom has done in his wicked past. It might offend the bride though and it is safer to mention some incident where he lost your luggage on vacation or knocked you out in a friendly football match rather then mentioning his success with other women.
4. Never thank the hotel staff. They are paid to do this job and you donât thank the florist the chauffeur or the photographer for doing their work. If they do a good job send a letter of thanks or recommend a particularly helpful employee to the management if you wish.
5. Donât give away family secrets by mentioning a sore subject like alcoholism or gambling. Weddings speeches should be gracious and positive.
6. Never talk about previous marriages. This is a new start for the couple and past marriages should not be mentioned. If the children of a previous marriage will be present check with the couple whether or not they should be mentioned.
7. Forget saying âAnd now I wish to thankâ and then give a long list. If there are people to be mentioned they should be woven into the wedding speech by saying something warm-hearted or witty about them.
8. Never say something that someone else will be saying. The father of the bride traditionally toasts the couple for instance. If you are acting as best man or speaking in another capacity you should check it with the couple as to who is giving the toast to the bride ad groom.
9. Always check before mentioning a deceased family member. Some people might find it too sorrowful for you to do so on what should be a happy day.
10. Donât go on too long. A good wedding speech is about content not length.
Remember a speech should be short
Leave them longing for more
So cut it short
Theyâll be shouting âEncoreâ.
Filed under Wedding Speech Tips by on Feb 21st, 2010. Comment. 
Have you recently been graced with the opportunity to give a wedding speech?
If so, let me be the first to say congratulations!
But if you’re like me, than you might be a bit nervous about the big day. Speaking in front of hundreds of your friends and family can give anyone butterflies.
But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. In this article I’m going to show you three tips on how to write and deliver a killer speech.
1. One of the first things I like to do in a wedding speech is to tell a story. For example, if you’re giving a maid of honor speech, you could tell a story about how you first met the bride.
If you were the father of the bride, you could tell a story about when you first met the groom and how you had never seen your daughter so happy.
Stories can instantly personalize your wedding speech and connect with your audience. Humor can also be a great addition to any speech. Just make sure you don’t embarrass the bride, the groom, or any of the wedding guests.
2. Practice. Practice. Practice. Like they said in school, practice really does make perfect. Write your speech 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding so you’ll have plenty of time to practice and rehearse your speech in front of friends and family. Practice is what’s going to give you unstoppable confidence when the wedding day finally rolls around.
3. Have Fun! Above all, remember to have fun.
Filed under Wedding Speech Tips by on Feb 20th, 2010. Comment.
If you’re having some trouble writing your wedding speech, what would you say if I told you that you were being too hard on yourself? Writing a wedding speech is easy stuff, especially when you know exactly what you’re supposed to be talking about and what you should be saying.
Out of ideas? Here are a few things that should help you write your speech and make it a great one!
Show Your Gratitude
Let the bride/groom know that you appreciate them having you be a part of their wedding, or just for being invited for that matter.
Share Stories of the Bride/Groom
Think of things to say about them, funny or emotional. You know their personality and their tastes. Make it a perfect fit for them.
Be Respectful
Don’t say anything that will cross the line. If you think something might sound inappropriate, it most likely is. Try to keep the attendees in your mind as well.
Use Compliments When You Can
People love compliments. Who doesn’t? When someone says something nice about you, it makes you feel good. Compliment the bride on how beautiful she looks or the parents for throwing a great wedding, etc.
Try To Keep Things Relevant
Don’t let your speech be all about one side of the family or talk about things that half of the people in attendance will not understand. Try to make your speech appeal to both sides of the family, so everyone will understand you better.
Give a Toast
Give a toast to the wedding party and everyone else that you think should have one.
Filed under Wedding Speech Tips by on Feb 19th, 2010. Comment.